1448

membership

Membership applications are available from the Board of Directors. Below is the outline for an Artistic Review Packet and an overview of the application process.

There is a non-refundable application fee of $50. All applicants are given a credit check, and are required to submit materials for artistic review (portfolio/slides, performance tapes, videotapes, manuscripts, etc.) An in-house committee of Artists' Housing members reviews artwork submitted.

WHAT AM I BUYING?

You are buying a membership in a housing cooperative and becoming a shareholder in a corporation that owns all the property. A co-op differs from a condominium in that a condo owner owns the actual unit he/she lives in, whereas a co-op owner owns a percentage (in this case 1/32nd) of the entire corporation and has an Occupancy Agreement which entitles him/her to live in a particular unit. As a member/shareholder in good standing, you get an equal voice in the corporation that holds the title to the property. Members elect a Board of Directors, comprised of 5 members of the co-op, which establishes standards to keep the cooperative a pleasant and affordable place to live. Your share (equity) in the cooperative will increase in value as the collective mortgage is reduced by your monthly payment (carrying charge).

Each unit is equipped with basic appliances - gas range, refrigerator, individually controlled heat and hot water. Improvements beyond this vary from unit to unit, as members can make changes in their space after obtaining approval from the Board of Directors. There is a common back yard and some off-street parking.

WHO MANAGES THE PROPERTY?

The Board of Directors, elected by the membership, employs a professional management company, J. B. Management, to perform the administrative duties including collecting carrying charges, paying the bills, generating monthly financial statements, and meeting with and advising the Board as necessary.

The Board sets maintenance standards for the premises and oversees the performance of custodial duties, building systems maintenance, and commons/exterior maintenance. Each member is responsible for the upkeep of the interior of their unit and the maintenance of appliances and fixtures; however, the Co-op is responsible for the eventual replacement of the original appliances as needed.

GUIDELINES FOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

There are three steps necessary to become eligible for membership: Artistic Review, Application & Verification, and Interview.

Artistic Review

An Artistic Review Submission is a required step for membership or for permission to sublet a unit form a member of Artists' Housing, Inc.

An Artistic Review packet must contain all of the following:

  1. Artwork
    Visual Artists - 10 slides, photos, or original works, at least half of which have been completed in the last two years.
    Performing Artists - A video or audio recording of recent work(s) done in the last two years.
    Literary Artists - At least one of: a manuscript, 10 poems, a manuscript excerpt of 15 pages.
  2. Artwork fact sheet
    A sheet accompanying the artwork that identifies each item with title, date, medium and size as applicable.
  3. Resume
  4. References
    The names and phone numbers of three persons working in your field who are acquainted with you and your work.
  5. Cover letter
    The minimum contents of this letter shall be:
    • Applicant's current address and phone number
    • Statement of the media of the artist
    • Description of current projects and future work
    • A statement that answers the question - what will you contribute to this community and how will you benefit by being a member/resident?
  6. Envelope
    Self-addresses and stamped, for the return of this packet.

Application and Verification

For this paperwork contact Artists' Housing.

Required with your application is documented proof of income (copies of 2 months of pay stubs or a tax return) and a $50 non-refundable processing fee (made out to Artists' Housing, Inc.)

Please send the Artistic Review Packet and the Application & Verification material to:
Tom Wells, AHI Board
1448 East Baltimore Street
Baltimore Maryland 21231

Allow three weeks for the review to be processed. At that time we will contact you to schedule the interview.

Interview

In the final stage of the review process the Board of Directors and the Artistic Review Committee meets with the applicant to discuss the Artists' Housing community, what is expected of members in the co-op, and what the applicant is expecting of Artists' Housing.